The Capital Grille

Service attentive - diners name given to waitstaff - service is good and prompt without being oppressive. Servers answer questions - do not upsell or oversell. Steaks (hers- special Filet; mine 14 oz Sirloin} were just outstanding and cooked to perfection. A "small" side of au gratin potatoes ($5) easily enough for two. Drawback is wines by the glass list - seriously overpriced. Hard for diners, in this day, to pay $11-12/glass (Chateau St. Michelle Merlot) for something you pay less than $20 for @ Sam's or Binny's. Avoid the cheaper wines on the wine by the Glass list (the Alderbrook Zin @ $8 is really mediocre).

Pros: Steaks perfect - food quality excellent - great service

Cons: Wines grossly overpriced

Posted 10/11/09

I took a fairly large and boisterous group here on a Friday night without a reservation and they were happy to see us. They took care of everything without missing a beat. The food and service is at the top level of Chicago steakhouses. I have been to the Captial Grille in Houston (fantastic) and Minneapolis (very nice) and I'm glad we finally have one here. The wine list is extensive, our wine turned out to be excellent, and I had the bigger filet which was a challenge to finish. While leaving our group was looking for a nice local bar and while the receptionist didn't know of any, she went out of her way to find another staff member who was more up on the area. Very helpful.

Pros: Top notch steakhouse and great service

Cons: Parking, price

Posted 01/23/09

#1) Make sure you ask the bartender for a shot of the vodka concoction that's seated on top of the bar.

#2) After you're relaxed getting that buzz from the vodka, sit yourself down and eat some great food.

#3) Go home and sleep like a champ!

Posted 12/12/08

I booked a Saturday night dinner at this restaurant about 4 weeks in advance, and the best dinner time that I could get was 6:45. Needless to mention, i was really expecting a lot from this restaurant since it's so hard to get a reservation for a decent dinner time on Fraturdays. So, we went, and what can I say? Everything about this restaurant was great! The wait staff were extremely courteous, knowledgeable, and attentive. The food was excellent, and the meat dishes that we ordered were cooked perfectly to temperature. They really went out of their ways to show us that our business was appreciated. This restaurant really has its act together, down to every little detail. For example, the waiters learn all of the customers' names from the reservations book, so that they can be greeted and addressed properly. The waiters even have their own business cards, which they enclose with the bill. It's really a statement of professionalism and thoughtfulness when the restaurant gives their waiters their own business cards. The cost of our meal for two came out to be about $200 before tip (we had appetizers, entrees, shared a dessert, and a bottle of wine). It might seem a little bit pricey, but we didn't feel ripped off at all because the service and food were well worth it (I've spent more for less in the past, and this definitely isn't one of those restaurants where you end up feeling like you've just been robbed). I look forward to my future meals at Capital Grille, and you should check it out too!

Pros: Excellent service, perfectly cooked food, valet parking

Cons: may be hard to make reservations for busy nights of the week

Posted 11/29/08

well my friends and I each get to pick any restaurant of one's choice for their birthday, and I choose Capital Grille, everything we had was very good including the lobster, it was my first time having it and it was delicious kinda expensive but very good. I had the porterhouse and i love it! Nice place, great atmosphere, very cool time.. try it

Pros: great food good service

Cons: parking if u dont like to valet

Posted 08/01/08

I went there with a few other people to celebrate a birthday and the food was AWFUL!!!!! 4 of us got filet's, it tasted like a piece of meet thrown on a grill and then served....not to mention it wasn't even cooked properly. The other 4 at our table that got different steaks lucked out, there's were great! So if you go there don't go with the filet....for being a steak place I don't think they know what they're doing. The manager wasextremely rude as well, I feel bad for his employees! My friends and I have all worked in the restaurant business, from managers to servers, my one friend went and talked to the manager about the 4 crappy steaks we were served. The manager immediately got rude with my friend and said he couldn't comp 4 filet's. My friend told him that he never asked that they were comped, just to make his guests at the table happy, he said we all paid good money...which we did...over $900 so everyone at the table should be happy leaving. So he brought us out like 8 desserts...which were all good, how do you screw up a dessert. But, I'm still not happy....I'll NEVER go back....I'll go to Morton's or Ruth's Chris instead.

Pros: The name makes it sound like it will be good

Cons: It's really awful

Posted 07/03/08

Having had a wonderful time at the sister resaurant in Dallas, my wife and I decided to entertain some old friends while at a meeting in Chicago recently. True to form, the service was impeccable, the food perfect, the wine list superb and the overall experience simply great. Being somewhat of a harsh critic, every potential area of weakness was examined as we discussed our dining experience that evening. I don't know how they do it, but I am looking forward to my next trip to a city with this standout restaurant group. Simply marvelous.

Pros: remarkable food and wine dining experience

Cons: somewhat expensive

Posted 04/29/08

We dropped into Chicago at the last minute for New Year's Eve (ie we didn't make reservations). The hostess, Erin, immediately gave us napkins to dry ourselves from walking in the snow. Despite the crowded dining room due to the holiday, we were able to relax in the bar until Erin and her staff found a table for us in the state room (less than an hour wait!) At first we took it as a sign that the food wouldn't be great, but that was a wrong assumption. My sweetheart had the Filet Oscar and I had the tenderloin with lobster--both were perfection!

The decor has a feel similar to classic US government buildings (hence the name) and the main dining room is not what I'd call romantic. However, the state room had a very intimate feel--if you're looking for something more of that nature, I would certainly ask.

Pros: friendly staff, superb food, both filtered and FIJI water available

Posted 01/02/08

I took my girlfriend here for our 2 year anniversary and I wasn't sure what to expect from the other comments on this site, but I soon realized that I made a great choice. Although it isn't cheap by any means, it's worth the dinning experience. We showed up for our reservations an hour early expecting we could sit at the bar for a while, but they seated us promptly as it was still early and we were one of the first there @ 5:45pm on a Sat. The greeters were extra friendly and happy to seat us, which left a good starting impression on my girlfriend and I. They seated us in the wine room which was semi-private. Our waiter (Mr. Potter) was awesomely friendly, attentive and patient..
They don?t have draft beers, but they do have a good selection of bottled beer and a huge selection of wines. They even have desert wines, but we didn?t try any. For an appetizer we ordered smoked salmon. It came with Capers, some type of pita chip and a creamy spread?very good. Then, I ordered some clam chowder soup which was awesome. My girlfriend, for her entree, ordered beef tenderloin which came with large chunks of Lobster. I ordered the filet Oscar, which is a fillet steak with a type of light cream sauce and chunks of crab meat on top. It came with asparagus too. We also ordered some type of broccoli medley which was decent
I mentioned to our waiter that we were celebrating our anniversary. He surprised us at the end of our meal with a flourless chocolate cake that was really good. Then, he offered to take our photo, and he came back a few minutes later with the photo framed on a card. He didn?t charge us for the cake or pic either! We were too full to have anything else.
Our total bill for all of the above was $160 w/o tip, but this restaurant left a great lasting impression on us.

Pros: Friendly staff, good food, large wine list

Cons: Expect to vallet park

Posted 10/01/07

My fiance and I just ate at there last night an hour after we had just become engaged. We told the host that we had just gotten engaged and from that point on we were treated like royalty. The wait staff was incredible, we were given the best table in the restaurant, and treated to complimentary champagne, dessert, and a small appetizer. A waiter came to the table took our picture with the restaurant's camera and printed a picture for us before we left. Above all the food was absolutely outstanding, and the service was above and beyond our expectations for this special occasion.

Pros: Wait Staff, Food, Special Occasion Dining

Cons: None

Posted 08/24/07

We read they had one of the best hamburgers in chicago.The burger was good,but the trimmings (i.e lettuce,onions ect) were of low standard taking away from the hamburger.At a top notch steak place you wouldnt expect them to have the same french fries as "steak and shake "lol.Other than that everything was good.Oh fyi the bread and butter are very good.

Pros: service,taste

Cons: french fries

Posted 04/23/07

Wonderful service, great ambiance, steaks were delicious. Calamari was great!

Baked potato was very boring and not worth the money - served with just butter, sour cream upon request. They should take it off the menu and add a twice baked instead.

Pros: ambience, service and steaks

Cons: baked potato was boring

Posted 03/25/07

I live in Minneapolis and recently visited Chi to see the fam. We went to Capital Grille on a Friday night and loved everything about our dining experience. Our service was incredible. No complaints what so ever. I will be returning ASAP! Highly recommend if you have not yet visited this fine establishment.

Pros: Service, steak, where we sat

Cons: Parking

Posted 03/12/07

The Capital Grille is a wonderful steak restaurant. After a fabulous but exhausting night out at TRU, it was nice to sit down to a wonderful full-portioned steak dinner in a warm & inviting atmosphere. Usually, steak restaurants are a little lax on their side dishes, but not so at Capital Grille. First, their cold seafood platter was so fresh and delicious, we ordered another round of oysters on the half shell! Plus, I cannot get enough of their lobster macaroni and cheese. My only comment would be to avoid the kona or aged basalmic steaks, as they are salty and overseasoned. Why eat an aged steak if you are just going to overseason it and mask its flavors? But if you get their simple steaks (especially their bone-in nightly specials), you will get the full flavor of the meat. In addition, we were all curious about their pineapple infused vodka martinis, which was recommened to us by our waiter, and he graciously brought a small tasting for the table. What service! I would take Capital Grille over bland and plain Morton's any day! Great food, inviting atmosphere, and impeccable service.

Posted 03/01/07

Great Steak, Good Service, We have eating here multiple times, and will continue to return. Also Great for special occassions

Posted 09/21/06

this place is ok. they claim to serve dry aged beef but only two of the four major cuts are dry aged. the ny strip and the porterhouse are dry aged while the filet and ribeye are wet aged. i would go to smith & wollensky's. all of there beef is dry aged. far better.

Posted 08/09/06

Husband and I came to Capital for a special occasion, and we really had a nice time. I had a steak with bleu cheese butter, and husband had salmon. I liked mine very much, and he really loved the salmon (says it was the best he has had to date). Service was very good, and we were treated to a complimentary slice of cake for our anniversary. I would only say that the price here is not for the faint-hearted, and our table for two was in a very high-traffic area. Also, though we had reservations, we had to wait for a half-hour at least. Still, the regulars have their own "lockers" with their cigars and wines of choice, and I can see how someone in a different spending bracket, or with an expense account to impress clients, would really get more out of this place.

Pros: Great Food, Classy Place

Cons: Very Expensive, Long Wait/Crowded and Busy

Posted 07/26/06

Despite the rating on this site, this place was not romantic. We ate there on a Friday night to celebrate our 5th annivesary and were seated near a party of 10 loud people, even though I made it clear it was our anniversary and we wanted a quiet table. Even if we had been seated elsewhere, there was not much privacy to be had anywhere.

Don't get me wrong--the food was EXCELLENT (from our appetizer, to our soup, to the steak to the side disehs) and I wouldn't hesitate to eat there again. But if you're looking for an intimate, romantic setting, this is not the place to eat in Chicago.

Posted 05/29/06

Made reservation via OpenTable, arrived 10 min early. Had a drink at the bar, and the bartender had the BEST personality. Seated fairly promptly, very nice waitress. Split smoked salmon, then hubby had steak special and I had filet, plus split creamed spinach. We then asked to split a dessert and the waitress came back with 2 - the creme brulee we had ordered, plus the flourless choc cake we had not! She said we might need a little something extra for the trip home to Michigan (2.5 hour trip - we wouldn't have starved), and the desserts were on the house! What a wonderful ending to a great meal. Awesome service, wonderful atmosphere - HIGHLY recommend!

Pros: service, atmosphere, bartenders

Posted 05/27/06

Made reservations easily on OpenTable. First time here but was treated like I was a member of the owner's family. Waitress, Jeannette, very professional and right on with recommendations. Lobster bisque was to die for. Porcini rubbed ribeye with balsamic dressing was delicious. Wife had the filet special, also elegant. Jeannette made the perfect pairing recommendation for the Pyrat XO rum with the Creme Brulet; wife's white chocolate mousse light, fluffy and creamy. We will definitely come here again.

Pros: Staff, Food

Cons: None

Posted 03/24/06

I went to Capital Grille about a month ago and had an excellent time. I went for a special occasion and called ahead for a nicer table and we were brought to a more private area/booth. The food and service was Excellent! Definitely a good date spot. Parking is hard to find so I would recommend Valet!

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 02/05/06

I've visited the Capital Grill several times, and it has been consistently excellent. The service was great and the food was extraordinary. I've tried many restaurants, but Capital Grill is one of the few that is consistent and worth every dollar.

Posted 01/17/06

I was disappointed in the management and truthfullness of the Capital Grill. I called at 4:30 on a Saturday and asked if they had a dress code, they said business casual. I said then bluejeans won't be good, to which his reply was, that would be fine if I would like. We showed up at 6 with jeans and nice sweaters, the first thing out of the Managers mouth at the host stand was 'we are so sorry that we are all full up this evening, we do have a full menu available in the bar'. SO, just tell me that on the phone and don't ruin my evening when I could either be in dress pants or at a different restaurant in their dining room.

Pros: glitzy, dry aged steak

Cons: secret dress code

Posted 12/03/05

Excellent sirloin steak; outstanding flavor, tender and juicy. Extremly knowledgable waiters.

Pros: elegant, friendly atmosphere, highest quality food

Posted 10/25/05

I had taken my girlfriend downtown for the weekend as a celebration of a few things. We stayed at the "W" Hotel, magnificent. I had arranged a spa visit for her as well as dinner at The Capital Grille. We ended up running late, due to her spa visit, and the people at TCG were more than accomodating. We were able to change our reservation and show up early and visit the bar. The bartender was splendid and was more than helpful in appetizer and drink selection. There was plenty of food for each of us, although a little pricey, we were satisfied. The service was pleasant and prompt. I can't wait to go back.

Pros: Food, Service, Location

Cons: Diners

Posted 10/13/05

Went as a group outing one of the best resturants I have ever been to.

Posted 09/19/05

I've frequented this Streeterville establishment at lunch time, and I contend that the Capital Grille has the best burger in the city. Having eaten alone at the bar with top-notch service from the bartender, with friends at a table, or in a group for an office party luncheon in a private room, I was always amazed at the quality of the freshly prepared food and sauces and friendly-but-not-cloying service. I like this establishment because it's low-key compared to other Chicago steakhouses. Even the seafood plates were outstanding. Alone or in a group, this place impresses!

Pros: Service, Food Quality, Ambiance

Posted 07/07/05

My wife and I had a great time. The food and service was the best!

Posted 06/09/05

Our server, Adam, is responsible for every perfect birthday for the last four years. Ask for him, and have a Stoli Doli with your filet!

Posted 05/30/05

I am a "regular" at The Capital Grille, which is like being a member of the family. Nowhere else do I feel as special. If you ever want to impress clients, go there.

Posted 05/21/05

I am not a CEO, stock broker or lawyer; I am just a humble Joe on vacation. I call them to make reservations at noon for 6pm and even though I explained that I probably didnt have the proper attire for an upscale restaurant, they responded with a come as you are and enjoy attitude! Make a reservation this is an awesome restaurant and they fill up quick! They seated us instantly, our waitress (par excellence) was Lauren and she was incredible! She was patient (especially with my silly questions about wine....) and described every detail of their incredible menu selections. She helped pick the most unbelievable wine (we ended up ordering 2 bottles!) and served us with class! I have to say that this restaurant made me feel like I was their only customer. Call them and experience the BEST that Chicago has to offer!

Pros: Great service!, Incredible wine!, Great menu!

Cons: None

Posted 04/22/05

"Steakhouse" does not do this place justice. It is the most beautiful of rooms, a place where I would want to get engaged. The food is remarkable, the experience is unequaled.

Pros: Food, Ambiance, Service

Posted 02/18/05

My husband and I went to celebrate our 4 year anniversary this Saturday. We arrived early and they sat us down quickly. Service was excellent. The waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. Food was delicious and so were the drinks. Overall it was an excellent place to celebrate our anniversary. At the end of the dinner we got a complimentary piece of cake with a card signed by all the waiters for our anniversary. We were very satisfied. We will definately go again.

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Posted 10/03/04

This is by far my favorite restaurant in Chicago. I have been here for lunches for business, to celebrating romantic dinners with my husband, and The Capital Grille never ever dissapoints. A nice filet with a bottle of wine, and all is well with the world. The staff makes us feel so special. I can only say to sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie star treatment.

Pros: food, service, Ambience

Posted 08/28/04

Absolutely the best staff in the city. Managers Jim, Tom, Rob are the best. Servers Brandee & Derek are awesome. Bartenders Leon & Jacek are incredible. I got hooked at the Capital Grille thanks to Ruben, he knew how to do the deal. Ruben never steered me wrong. Every recomendation was right on!!! Leon & Jacek learned from the BEST!!!! Porterhouse; Delmonico; Wedge; Crab Cakes; Calamari; Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, what else do you need.....Ruben would suggest.....Something To Drink!!!

Pros: Food, Drink, Staff

Cons: , No Frozen Drinks, No Ruben

Posted 08/16/04

I cannot imagine having a bad time at The Capital Grille. These folks know service like nowhere else. My guest wanted caffeine-free diet coke, and someone went off into the pouring rain to get it for her. The food is the best, down to the rolls. Find heaven in a nice glass of wine--I think they have about 500 vintages from which to choose--a wonderful filet, and cap it off with the coconut cream pie. Ask for Brandee, she is the best.

Pros: service, Food, Ambience

Posted 07/26/04

The wait staff is the most professioanlly trained staff you will encounter. Elegant atmosphere, great service, the best steak in town. Every trip is a wonderful experience.
Start off with a wedge salad with bacon bits, enjoy one of the fine red wines and have a tender filet. End your meal with a glass of port wine. This is one
unforgettable adventure.

Pros: service, food, atmosphere

Posted 06/10/04

Last week I had the pleasure of dining at The Capital Grille. Derek, our waiter, recommended a red wine that included a grape that usually gets made into champagne. Oh, so so good! Then he recommended a cajun delmonico steak, with vidalia onions and a horseradish cream sauce. It melted in my mouth. The best steak I have ever had! Derek was a wonderful waiter, and I cannot wait to return!

Pros: food, service, room

Posted 06/06/04

There is almost an aura of magic surrounding The Capital Grille. Last Saturday, I thought I might try one of their competitors. Big mistake. The waiter complained about his busboy in front of us. This would NEVER happen at The Capital Grille. The servers are entirely too professional. I am your loyal customer, and will never stray agian!

Pros: Sevice, Food, Atmosphere

Posted 06/06/04

I could eat the fish at The Capital Grille all day long, every day. The lobster bisque is a must, as well as the lobster and crab cakes. Yum!

Pros: food, the room, Service

Posted 06/06/04

Since The Capital Grille has opened its doors, I have truly enjoyed a glass of wine or two at the bar. Recently, there is a new bartender named Colin who has done nothing but add to my wonderful experience. He told me the management requires all staff to take a sommelier exam, and it shows. He is extremely intelligent on wine, and a terrific listener, only adding to my experience at this fine establishment.

Pros: service, ambience, food

Posted 06/06/04

Not only does this place serve the best steak, but, compared with other steak houses, it serves it up at a remarkable value versus other Chicago steak houses.

Pros: Food, Ambience, Service

Posted 06/05/04

When I go here, I feel like it is my place. When I walk in the door, this wonderful British lady calls me by name, and somehow I am just elevated out of my humdrum day.

Pros: service, Food, Atmosphere

Posted 06/04/04

If you haven't gone to The Capital Grille, go. Have a Stoli Doli at the bar with Leon the fantastic bartender, then sit down for a wonderful time with amazing food. The servers are really terrific. Really a terrific gem on the other side of Michigan Avenue.

Pros: Food, Service, Seating

Posted 06/03/04

I have always enjoyed this restaurant, but, it has just really upgraded with the new executive chef and sous chef. The specials are simply to die for!

Pros: Food, Service, Room

Posted 06/03/04

My company does all of our business dinners at The Capital Grille. Everywhere else is so much more like a banquet hall, even private clubs. Our contact is Samaiya Beaumont. She is extremey detail-oriented and charming, and I know we will always look good in front of our clients.

Pros: Food, Service, Ambience

Posted 06/03/04